About CNPS & CNPS-SLO

The mission of the California Native Plant Society is to increase understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats through education, science, advocacy, horticulture and land stewardship.

The local San Luis Obispo Chapter, CNPS-SLO, was founded in 1967 and is one of 33 chapters statewide.

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit organization of amateurs and professionals with a common interest in California’s native plants. The Society, working through its local chapters, seeks to increase understanding of California’s native flora and to preserve this rich resource for future generations. Membership is open to all. Our members have diverse interests including natural history, botany, ecology, conservation, photography, drawing, hiking, and gardening.

Predicting Future Climate Change and its Impacts

Dr. David Chipping

Dr. David Chipping is Emeritus Professor of Geology from Cal Poly. He received a BS in geology from the Cambridge University, and an MS and PhD in geohydrology and geology from Stanford University. He joined the faculty at Cal Poly in 1971. While spending much of his life kicking plants out of the way to see the rocks, his wife, Linda, got him to kick the rocks to see the plants. In the late 1980s he started doing conservation work with the chapter and continues to this day. He has been state CNPS Conservation Director, has served on the CNPS Board of Directors, has served as chapterpresident, and is a Fellow of the Society. He is heading up a breakout session on Climate Change at the CNPS Conservation Conference the week before our meeting and will also report on how that came out.

Chapter meetings are generally held the first Thursday of the month at the San Luis Obispo Vets Hall on Grande Ave near the corner of Monterey Street.

Our meetings kick off with a social time that begins at 7:00 p.m. This is a time to sample the treats that members have brought along to share, and browse the book table. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. with some brief announcements before the program begins.

Speakers and notes from Chapter Meetings are documented in each Obispoensis newsletter. Please see the Obispoensis archive for PDF file of each newsletter.

Saturday, February 24, 9:00 am, Lopez Lake Plant and Bird Walk

Join Audubon, California Native Plants, and Sierra Club on a plant and bird walk. Expect to hike about 4 miles with a 200-foot elevation gain. We will be looking for waterfowl, which should be plentiful and visible along the trail, as well as an abundance of early spring flowers. A continuation hike to the top of the Duna Vista lookout is an option. Directions: From Arroyo Grande, follow the signs towards Lopez Lake. After crossing the dam, but before entering Lopez Lake County Park, turn right on Hi Mountain Road and proceed 0.8 miles to the junction of Upper Lopez Canyon Road. Bear left on Canyon Road and proceed 3.6 miles to the old entrance of the Boy Scout Camp (now part of the County Park). Enter the gate, if open, if not park along the side of the road. Restrooms are available. No day use fees will be charged. Bring water and snacks, and dress in layers for changing weather. A hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes are recommended. For more information, call Bill at (805) 459-2103 or bill.waycott@gmail.com. Rain or the threat of rain cancels.

Resources

About CNPS-SLO

The mission of the California Native Plant Society is to increase understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats through education, science, advocacy, horticulture and land stewardship.
The local San Luis Obispo Chapter, CNPS-SLO, was founded in 1967 and is one of 33 chapters statewide.